My MTC (Missionary Training Center) companion, is a very gifted photographer. I love his ability to capture people's emotions. So, when our February Ensign came in the mail this week, I was stoked to see that not only were five of his photos of temples featured in the article "The Blessings of Temples", but that one of his pics also made the cover. How cool is that?! You should definately check out his website to see his work www.feelthephoto.com. Go to "Portfolio" and

you'll see what I'm talking about. I was one of his early subjects, as seen here. I especially liked the way he captured my full head of hair (no difficult task 12 years ago, but an impossibility nowadays).

...and the angels rejoiced...

Our three "angels" erupted in cheers when we told them church had been cancelled today due to the ice storm headed our way. Eli, however, missed his opportunity to give his what has become almost a monthly talk in primary. Seriously, he has given a talk in primary nearly every six weeks or so for the past while. It's great experience for him, and he has good confidence. I think it's great that kids get an early exposure to public speaking in the church, so I'm expecting good grades from him when he takes Communication classes in high school and college. Below is the talk he prepared on faith in Christ.

I would like to share a story about trust and faith. One day, my dad and I were practicing how to ride a bike without training wheels. It was kind of scary for me to ride without training wheels. I told my dad that I was a little scared, and he promised to help me if I would trust him. He loves me very much and I know he wouldn't let me get hurt. So, I started peddling and he ran beside me holding onto the seat. Then he said "Eli, do you trust me?" I said "yes." Then he let go and I was riding the bike all by myself. I was able to do this because I trusted my dad.

I have faith in Jesus Christ. Faith means trust. I trust Him, and I will follow Him. When we have faith in Jesus, and do what the scriptures tell us to, we will be blessed because of our faith.

A job I could probably not do

I've been sitting here at the library for about 30 minutes enjoying the lightning-fast internet service. I'm within earshot of the reference desk, and am realizing that the job of a reference librarian is not what I guessed it to be. I have to say I admire their ability to keep a straight face. It seems to be where all the crazy people gravitate.

I've heard everything from a street person say that "Sam Walton appeared to me in vision and said I needed to buy a bunch of stock; can you tell me how to do that?" -to- "I'm not a pervert or anything, but why does a warning message pop up everytime I click on an adult website? You're not going to report me, are you?" -to- "Did you know that there are secret messages in Sudoku puzzles? Someone told me you could help me de-code them."

I have to admit, nothing "fun" like that ever happens in my job.

If our kids wrote Bible stories...

Here's the boys' recap of what happened in tonight's Bible story.

"The angel Gaberaham told Sack-of-Rice that his wife would have a baby."

(The angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist.)

On the list of questions to ask the pediatrican: at what age should our children's hearing be tested?